He Heals Me

Chapter 12

Kina: Larry, I can't deny that I feel something for you, but you know how broken I am. I have so many things that I just don't understand about myself. I'm not sure who I am anymore. I go through each day just because I feel like I should. If it weren't for my family still being around I don't think I'd still be here.

Larry: Here as in...in this city? Or here as in alive?

Kina: Alive...

Larry looked down at his hands in his lap. He couldn't begin to understand why she couldn't see what he saw in front of him. The light that she allowed others to dim and cover after all this time.

Larry: I've seen glimpses of who I think you are and I could be wrong. I could just be seeing what I want to see but I'd like the chance to see whether it's real or not.

Kina: Why me of all people?

Larry: Maybe it's the fact that you're naturally beautiful. That every small scar on your face says you're a real person. You don't try to hide them. Your smile, though not seen all the time, is infectious. It warms my heart. You find a way to smile even when it seems that life gave you every excuse not to. Even if it's just to laugh. Maybe it's because you're willing to keep fighting to be here, even if it's for others and not yourself. I know life hasn't been all that great for you but I'd like to be apart of the reason why it gets better.

Kina: I tend to get lost in others and what they are to me. Then when I feel comfortable with them, they see the broken person I am and they leave. They all took pieces of me with them. What if there's nothing left?

Larry: Then I'll give you some of myself until you rebuild what you've lost.

Kina POV

I looked into his eyes and saw myself or at least the person he saw and for a second I felt like I was me. I turned away from him so he wouldn't see the tears in my eyes as I struggled with the decision to be made. After all this time, was I ready to try this again? And if I did, would I be lost again or would everything be okay? I felt his hand find my face. He turned it gently to look at him. He saw my tears and gently wiped them away. I turned my face into his hand so that he cupped my cheek. I hadn't let anyone touch me like this in a long time. I looked into his eyes again as he remained silent waiting for an answer.

Kina: I'm afraid.

Larry: And I'm nervous but I mean what I said and I hope you know that.

Kina: What if I can't be found?

Larry: Then let's get lost.

Kina: I want to try...with you but if we do, I want to move slowly.

Larry: I have time. I'm not going anywhere.

I smiled at him. Tears still escaped my eyes as he looked at me and smiled back. He brought my face to his lips and kissed my forehead. It gave me such a warm feeling.

Kina: So what now?

Larry: I'd like to watch tv with you until you're ready for bed and then I'll say goodnight and go home.

I grabbed a blanket from the closet and draped it over our bodies on the couch. We watched a few episodes of Rick and Morty before I started to dose off. Larry got up from the couch and led me to the door so I could lock it behind him. He gave me a hug and told me goodnight just as he said he would. I closed the door and walked to my bed turning the lights off along the way. I lay looking at the ceiling for a moment. I didn't know what to think about my decision to allow Larry in my life so I pushed it from my mind and allowed myself to sleep.

The next morning

Larry POV

The next morning I woke up and got dressed. I had somewhere that I needed to go. I rushed out of the house and drove to the center. I walked past Charlotte as if she wasn't there. I walked into Dr. Lynn's office to find her looking over patient files. She looked up at me and placed her hand on the side of her face waiting for me to speak.

Larry: I know things got out of hand yesterday and that in this line of work you shouldn't get involved with patients. I wanted to apologize for speaking to you the way I did. You gave me an amazing opportunity and I appreciate it but Kina is worth giving that up if I have to. You saw us and how we are together. The way she reacts to me may be how she would be with anyone in this situation but I don't think so. I went to her last night and we have decided to be together. I will be gentle with her and I won't hurt her. I hope you know that.

Doc: I know you will Larry. I'm not blind to what you're saying. My main concern is that Kina fully heals and doesn't just find a new coping mechanism in being with you. I accept your apology. After you left I spent a lot of time thinking about this decision and I'd like you to stay here with the project.

Larry: Really?!!

I grabbed Dr. Lynn up in a huge hug before I could stop myself. I don't think I've ever been more excited in my life.

Doc: There will be conditions Larry.

Larry: *lets her go* Such as?

Doc: No public displays of affection. Kina will receive no preferential treatment. You must treat her as a patient just like before. You will notify me of any milestones in your relationship no matter how small. Do you understand?

Larry: Well I think I should mention that Kina kissed me last night. *scratches back of neck*

Doc: Did it go further than that?

Larry: No we want to take it slow.

Dr. Lynn looked at me for a little while longer and sighed.

Doc: Well she should be coming in this morning so let's discuss her session for today. I'll allow some of your input into her treatment. The dancing in her last session seemed to have some level of benefit and I'd like to hear your other ideas.

We sat down and began brainstorming ideas. I shot Kina a quick text to say see you soon. I knew she'd be confused but I think she'll like the surprise of me still being her therapist.

A/N: Long time no see but I'm still around. Let me know what you guys think! 😘